The June 8 article on worker training and the Trade Adjustment Act funds in Maine pointed out the complex issues involved in preparing Maine’s workers for a new economy.

As president of the Maine Adult Education Association, I was delighted to see the picture of two women in a math class at Lewiston Adult Education, but was disappointed that the article did not mention the prominent role Maine’s 126 community-based adult education programs play in assisting Maine’s dislocated workers.

Our association conducted a survey of adult education programs in January regarding the number of workers served by our programs.

During 2002, adult education programs in Maine provided counseling, basic education and job training to 2,457 dislocated workers from 63 companies. This represents more than one-third of all the workers laid off by Maine companies in 2002, according to the Maine Department of Labor.

Adult education programs are often the first step for individuals who have been out of an educational setting for many years.

Our programs are located in most communities with a high school and are trusted and familiar places to begin new educational journeys. We work closely with the Maine Career Centers and with post-secondary providers to provide a seamless and successful transition for adults.

Robert Wood, president

Maine Adult Education Association,

Portland